Tuesday’s Earthquakes links and an introduction

Hi folks, Alicia Rodriguez here. I’ve been hired as a community editor for SB Nation’s California team sites, and you’ll be seeing me around here more in the future. I’ve been involved at SB Nation since 2011, and I’ve also previously worked at MLSsoccer.com. I’m a keen watcher of American soccer, especially MLS, NWSL and USL.

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With that, let’s see what’s happening around the Quakes this Tuesday:

• Fioranelli extension: This news came last week, but it’s pretty big, with the San Jose Earthquakes giving general manager Jesse Fioranelli a multiyear contract extension. The club also confirmed president Tom Fox has left the team, with the club opting to divvy up his roles and not hire a new president. The Fioranelli extension has raised some eyebrows — the ambition of the Quakes seems to have been raised but is he the GM to make them a true contender? Stay tuned.
• No draft picks on day two: The final two rounds of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft took place on Monday and San Jose officially passed on their picks. On one hand, the academy is starting to produce, on the other, Chris Wondolowski came out of the draft once upon a time, didn’t he?!?!
• About the draft pick on day one: The Quakes were excited about their top pick this year, Stanford defender Tanner Beason. This profile on the team site makes it sound like he’s likely to go on loan to Reno 1868 FC, but his left-footed skills mean there’s a chance he’ll rise up the pecking order, if he earns a contract.
• eMLS update: It was a rough opening to the 2020 eMLS season for the Earthquakes’ player, Alan “CaliSCG” Ortega, last weekend, as he finished in 22nd place in the League Series One event in Philadelphia, with a 2W-6L-4D record. But there’s another event coming up, Feb. 15 in Portland.

What are you most excited about heading into the 2020 season? Leave a comment below! Let’s chat!